Effect of pre-slaughter animal handling on carcass and meat quality

Animal handling is a growing issue of concern in many countries around the world. Developed countries in particular show keen interest in the way animals are handled throughout production to processing. In such countries animal welfare is increasingly becoming a primary matter in the process of keeping animals either as pets or for food and at homes or on farms. Not only are they protecting the rights of these animals but poor animal handling has adverse effects on the animal, carcass and meat quality. Poor quality animal and meat will have poor processing properties, functional quality, eating quality, and more likely to be unaccepted by consumers. Lesser attention has been paid by most developing countries on this issue. By this review, it is expected that developing countries also take interest in proper pre-slaughter handling of animals due to their beneficial effect on meat and carcass qualities. This review highlights the factors to consider in handling animals and their effect on meat and carcass quality.